I need some help interpreting and understanding results from a Cardio IQ test (fractionation by ion mobility). These questions do not center around the LDL-C number because I am not worried about that. I am worried about LDL-P because a high number of particles means a potentially high number of small particles.

Background:

1 year ago I had a heart attack and received 3 stents. I was 41 years old, 270 pounds and had metabolic syndrome with high blood pressure (I took BP medicine at the time Benicar w/ HCT 20/12.5 mg).

My doctors put me on the following medicines:Effient :10 mg/dayBaby Aspirin: 81 mg/dayMeterprolol long lasting: 25 mg/day (The last month I have reduced to 12.5 mg)Lipitor: see below for dosage

I found the Lipitor to have unbearable side effects and cut the dosage down to 20 mg for the first 3 months, then cut it to 10 mg for next 8 months and recently stopped taking it all together.

I read your site and posted some questions and I put myself on a Pauling type protocol and have been taking the following for the past year.

I also went on a low-carb, high-fat diet. I lost, 65 pounds in 6 months and have consistently 205 pounds (+/- 2, yes it is that tight).

I started exercising 5 days a week. Generally resistant 3 days a week and cardio the other 2 days or vice versa. I have just recently started warming up on resistance days with high intensity interval training (Sprint . In the last 4 months I trained for a 5K. I had to stop because the statins were cramping up one of my calf muscles and I could not jog for more than 10 minutes. I quit the statin and ran the 5K 2 weeks later. Now I jog 2 miles twice a week. I quit the statin a month ago and titrated up to 2 grams of niacin a day (to elevated HDL and lower BP)

I feel great other than some light-headed-ness and dizziness. My BP is regularly <120/<70. So, in the past 2 weeks I have cut my BP med in-half. Still having some issues.

Last week, I had a Cardio IQ test. I find my results are not that great and need some help understanding them.

HDL: 59 - this is great for me, one year ago it was 29

Triglycerides: 69 - 2 months ago it was 60, not bad but I think I need it lower ~50, is that correct?

Tot/HDL Ratio: 4.2 - this is still high, I think I need it below 3.1, is that correct?

Particle measurements in nmol/L

LDL Particle number: 1539- I have no idea where I should be. The test suggests <1260. How do I lower LDL-P. I have read statins do and don’t lower. I have read Niacin will help. I only did therapeutic levels of niacin 1 month before the test so they may not have had time to make an effect. Any suggestions?

LDL Small: 226- the test suggests <162 and I’m sure the best number is 0. How do I lower this number?

LDL Medium: 283- the test suggest <201, I have no idea.

HDL Large: 4344- the test suggests >9300. Since, I have been paying attention to my health, this has been low. I know Niacin is supposed to help. Any other suggestions on how to lower this number?

LDL Peak Size: 223.6 angstroms (with a Patten A)- I know I need large and fluffy. Pattern A is supposed to be large and fluffy. But, is this a good size? Does this mean anything?

Lp(a): 113-The tests suggest <75. I take lysine and proline. Should I increase proline?

Homocysteine: 10.9- I want 6 to 8. I just found out I am genetically deficient in producing the enzyme to make follate and have starting supplementing “active” follate, B12 and B6. I think that will lower my homocysteine.

I the past 2 months I have added the following supplements because of the jogging cramps and the results of a genetic test:

I don’t know if should celebrate, cry or just say “OK.” I have been working hard and feel like I am in the best health of my life (at 42). I have never been able to jog and I now I power thru 2 miles any time I feel like it. Neither my cardiologist nor GP approve of my protocol and they just want me on statins with an LDL-C of 60... I wish I could find a low-carb Dr.

I need some help interpreting and understanding results from a Cardio IQ test (fractionation by ion mobility). These questions do not center around the LDL-C number because I am not worried about that. I am worried about LDL-P because a high number of particles means a potentially high number of small particles.

Background:

1 year ago I had a heart attack and received 3 stents. I was 41 years old, 270 pounds and had metabolic syndrome with high blood pressure (I took BP medicine at the time Benicar w/ HCT 20/12.5 mg).

My doctors put me on the following medicines:Effient :10 mg/dayBaby Aspirin: 81 mg/dayMeterprolol long lasting: 25 mg/day (The last month I have reduced to 12.5 mg)Lipitor: see below for dosage

I found the Lipitor to have unbearable side effects and cut the dosage down to 20 mg for the first 3 months, then cut it to 10 mg for next 8 months and recently stopped taking it all together.

I read your site and posted some questions and I put myself on a Pauling type protocol and have been taking the following for the past year.

I also went on a low-carb, high-fat diet. I lost, 65 pounds in 6 months and have consistently 205 pounds (+/- 2, yes it is that tight).

I started exercising 5 days a week. Generally resistant 3 days a week and cardio the other 2 days or vice versa. I have just recently started warming up on resistance days with high intensity interval training (Sprint . In the last 4 months I trained for a 5K. I had to stop because the statins were cramping up one of my calf muscles and I could not jog for more than 10 minutes. I quit the statin and ran the 5K 2 weeks later. Now I jog 2 miles twice a week. I quit the statin a month ago and titrated up to 2 grams of niacin a day (to elevated HDL and lower BP)

I feel great other than some light-headed-ness and dizziness. My BP is regularly <120/<70. So, in the past 2 weeks I have cut my BP med in-half. Still having some issues.

Last week, I had a Cardio IQ test. I find my results are not that great and need some help understanding them.

HDL: 59 - this is great for me, one year ago it was 29

Triglycerides: 69 - 2 months ago it was 60, not bad but I think I need it lower ~50, is that correct?

Tot/HDL Ratio: 4.2 - this is still high, I think I need it below 3.1, is that correct?

Particle measurements in nmol/L

LDL Particle number: 1539- I have no idea where I should be. The test suggests <1260. How do I lower LDL-P. I have read statins do and don’t lower. I have read Niacin will help. I only did therapeutic levels of niacin 1 month before the test so they may not have had time to make an effect. Any suggestions?

LDL Small: 226- the test suggests <162 and I’m sure the best number is 0. How do I lower this number?

LDL Medium: 283- the test suggest <201, I have no idea.

HDL Large: 4344- the test suggests >9300. Since, I have been paying attention to my health, this has been low. I know Niacin is supposed to help. Any other suggestions on how to lower this number?

LDL Peak Size: 223.6 angstroms (with a Patten A)- I know I need large and fluffy. Pattern A is supposed to be large and fluffy. But, is this a good size? Does this mean anything?

Lp(a): 113-The tests suggest <75. I take lysine and proline. Should I increase proline?

Homocysteine: 10.9- I want 6 to 8. I just found out I am genetically deficient in producing the enzyme to make follate and have starting supplementing “active” follate, B12 and B6. I think that will lower my homocysteine.

I the past 2 months I have added the following supplements because of the jogging cramps and the results of a genetic test:

I don’t know if should celebrate, cry or just say “OK.” I have been working hard and feel like I am in the best health of my life (at 42). I have never been able to jog and I now I power thru 2 miles any time I feel like it. Neither my cardiologist nor GP approve of my protocol and they just want me on statins with an LDL-C of 60... I wish I could find a low-carb Dr.

Please help

LP (a) is the major thing to concern you.Get it to be as low as possible, You must drop any statin,Eat lots of leafy organic greens supplement with mk7 300 mcgr min a dayNiacin is crucial too I do 7 gr a day IRFish oil 5 gr minI got mine from 40 to less than 10 in one year.

Thanks for the links. I have looked all all these sites and am left confused. The reason is because there are about 3 different "brands" of tests. I don't think the sizes and units are consistent across the results sets. For example, one defines Pattern A as a peak size < XXX unit A. While, the other defines it as peak size < YYY unit B. When I find the conversion and do it, the numbers are significantly different ~20 angstroms - which apparently means a lot.

At the end of the day, I just want to get my LP(a) and LDL-P down...

Skwoodwiva,

Thank for the info. Do you divide your fish oil, mk-7, and niacin or do you take them all at the same time? I have read it is best to take immediate release all at once because that is easier on the liver (don't take flush free or extended).